PART ONE
First day of work! I will start each week in the best way possible - FaceTime with my mum. It is 4:30pm on a Sunday when I speak with her Monday mornings. This will be the routine. I am grateful for technology.
So far it has been a busy day. An introduction to the department I am working in, a meeting with the mayor (thank goodness for technology), and a trip to see Mr. Watanabe and his wife. It was in his living room that I was shown some of the Mountaineer articles that Mark-san and I have been featured in. Yup - it takes moving to Japan for me to check up on my newspaper coverage - lol! To be fair - I used to read the newspaper when I worked at Pioneer School.
Mr. Watanabe is a legend of the Rocky Kamikawa Friendship Society. He has been the president since the inception of the group in the late 80’s. He knows many people from RMH and is a wealth of information. When he saw me, he gave me a hug? It is because of his support and diligence that we are here. I am very thankful.
He also lent me a bicycle. It was quite a sight when I hopped on and began to ride. On one or two occasions on my ride back to Town Hall, I hopped off to “check the tires”. In all honesty, I was pooped. Time to become physically stronger and fitter while I am here.
Still - I am sure I was a sight, wobbling down the streets of Kamikawa with my wild grey hair blowing in the breeze - laughing hysterically!
I am not sure what I am supposed to be doing at this moment - so I am at my “desk” writing this… when I go home at 5pm… AMAZON delivery. So excited.
PART TWO
It is Wednesday. Today I walked to work in the pouring rain. Because, you know, my suitcases were full of important things, like shoes… I took out my umbrella. I spent the first 5 minutes this morning at work - trying to sop up the water from my pants, my hair, and my briefcase. My friend Nicky dropped off an umbrella at Town Hall as soon as she heard. People in Kamikawa are very kind.
Last night was a welcome dinner in my department and SO fun - it reminded me of the good times we have had in the past when in Kamikawa. Amazing food, a keg of Sapporo beer (real beer), and so many laughs.
I have seen some students and families from previous visits to Kamikawa. It is wonderful! Miku says I have an amazing memory! I guess it still works in Japan!
My first days were filled with so many meetings and much bowing! Mayor, department members, high school teachers, elementary school principal and vice principal, junior high vice principal, board of education… so many meetings!
Yesterday afternoon I spent it with the tutor from a private school at a resort near here. There are 4 students, two junior high and two high school. I met the junior high boys. I was supposed to try and speak English with them as they are hesitant.
This seems normal for their age. They spend April to December at a resort area here (in school) and then in December they go to the southern area of Japan to school. It is very interesting. I will be joining the boys for English days on Wednesdays. I am not to plan anything - they “decide” what activities they do, and I just join in. This will be an interesting experience for me for sure.
So far - so good. I am fine and happy to be here. I am grateful for all the kindness I have been shown. I am grateful that Charles connected me with Nicky and I WILL be grateful indeed if my car comes soon!
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